Overseas Librarian
Job Location:
Washington, DC - USA
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books manuscripts photographs maps audiovisual materials and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We engage inspire and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity.
We seekhighly talentedprofessionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on theLibraryand its users well into the future.
This position serves as a Librarian in the Information Services Section (INF) Patron and Network Engagement Division National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (LOC) and reports to the Section Head. The librarian provides library services and engagement directly to NLS constituents as the regional librarian for U.S. citizens eligible for NLS service who live abroad. Duties performed by the librarian require knowledge of the wide range of activities involved in provision of library service and specialized formats. The librarian provides library service and engagement directly to NLS constituents and serves in the specialized areas of blindness low vision reading and print disabilities.
As the Overseas Librarian you will:
- Deliver a full range of library service to United States citizens living abroad who are eligible for NLS service including reader advisory outreach patron engagement and the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures for the intake of new patrons and for the separation of patrons from the program.
- Serve as a Reader Advisor and is directly responsible for recommending/selecting materials for readers from the available braille and recorded books and magazines utilizing a thorough knowledge of these resources of contemporary and classical literature and of the reading interests of patrons served.
- Serve as liaison to NLS and to network libraries as needed; produce information guides conduct outreach and NLS/INF special projects as assigned.
- Organize and coordinate assignments that involve complex and novel or obscure problems and/or special requirements.
- Correspond with readers to ascertain whether services are proceeding effectively to solve any problems which may arise and to answer all reference queries in coordination with INF team members.
- Use and maintain an automated circulation system to track patron information. Maintain patron reading histories.
- Coordinate with other NLS sections to ensure efficient and comprehensive library service to readers abroad. Provide and replace playback equipment suitable for use in foreign countries by overseas patrons.
- Provide day-to-day services to current patrons. This include receiving correspondence; reader advisory functions selecting reading materials as needed patron engagement and ensuring that books are sent to patrons on a continuous basis.
- Maintain Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) patron files; verify patrons eligibility for BARD; approves/rejects individuals applying for BARD; register and approve third-party players transfer BARD files when patron moves from overseas to U.S. service area.
- Coordinate with INF tours for visitors and orientation sessions for NLS and network librarians and make oral presentations to staff and visitors representing the section as required.
- Represent the section at NLS conferences national conferences and NLS exhibits. Prepare reports as required including patron usage and service areas.
- Perform other duties as assigned
The position description number for this position is 470552.
The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area.
The selectee of this position will work a Flexitime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory bargaining unit position.
Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.
Conditions of Employment
Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws marijuana use is illegal considered criminal activity and can affect your employment at the addition past or current drug use and activities (e.g. selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
Knowledge of library and information science principles concepts tools and techniques to perform library functions and carry out library programs.**
Knowledge of integrated library systems library applications and other information technologies.**
Ability to provide research and reference services.**
Ability to analyze plan develop and/or execute library programs and projects.
Ability to provide consultation or liaison services.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education.
A. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelors degree;
or
B. A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education training and experience. To qualify on this basis the applicant must establish conclusively that the education training and experience provided knowledge and understanding of the theories principles and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.
You MUST submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected. Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application.
Foreign Education Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S. your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE). Failure to submit a foreign education evaluation report will result in disqualification of your application.
Althoughit is the Librarys policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.
The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer.
Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.
Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information please see:Vetting Process
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process please email The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicants college or university or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The lettermust verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the from health care providers are not more information contact the Librarys Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at or email FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.
The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such all positions are in the excepted service.
The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.
Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.
The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However not all service unitswithin the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.
A Not to Exceed (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints.
Are you a veteran Please indicate the type of veterans preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached Veterans Preference will not be considered in the application process.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
